Leaders of the Maine Economic Recovery Committee warn of a ‘devastating’ economic decline unless the federal government takes further action.
Peter McGuire
Peter McGuire is a business reporter covering Maine trade, transportation and tourism. A proud native of the western Maine mountains, there is a good chance he’d rather be playing outside. Peter has covered local news for Maine newspapers in Oxford County, Brunswick, Waterville and Portland. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Boston University. He lives in Biddeford with his wife Stephanie and brown rescue dog named Emmy Lou.
Maine jobless claims continue to ease amid phased reopening of businesses
Over 4,000 Mainers filed new claims for jobless benefits last week, even as the state prepared to allow the vast majority of businesses to open back up.
Maine extends maximum length of jobless benefits by 13 weeks
Out-of-work Mainers can now receive as many as 39 consecutive weeks of benefits through state and federal assistance programs.
Maine hospitality industry’s revenue could fall by one-third this year, economists say
A preliminary report says the state’s restaurants and lodging businesses stand to lose billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs because of the pandemic.
Federal emergency loan program for small businesses ends Tuesday
All remaining loan applications for the Paycheck Protection Program must be submitted by the end of the day.
Mills’ economic recovery committee urges school reopenings, broadband expansion
The committee was tasked with recommending steps state government could take immediately to stabilize the Maine economy.
Gov. Mills asks Trump administration to reject right whale protection proposal
A petition from Pew Charitable Trusts asks for seasonal closures to protect endangered whales, but Mills said the proposal would not help whales, but would hurt Maine’s lobster fishery.
Economic recovery panel to suggest easing Maine’s restrictions on out-of-state visitors
A subcommittee of Gov. Janet Mills’ Economic Recovery Committee recommends the state bring its strict entry requirements in line with those of other New England states.
State’s fraud investigations have derailed some Mainers’ federal unemployment benefits
The short-staffed Maine Department of Labor has had to delay payments and a program for those who have exhausted benefits, the state’s labor commissioner told lawmakers Thursday.
Vast majority of Maine businesses will be allowed to reopen July 1
COVID-19 prevention checklists issued Wednesday to movie theaters, amusement parks and entertainment venues put a 50-person limit on shared spaces, among other restrictions.